The highly anticipated clash between Kevin Durant’s Phoenix Suns and the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday, Feb. 20, ended with a crushing defeat for Durant’s team. The Suns had every reason to win against a depleted Spurs squad after Victor Wembanyama’s unfortunate season-ending DVT, making the loss sting even more.
Instead of cruising to an easy win since the Spurs were missing their best player, the Suns suffered a 120-109 loss at the Moody Center in Austin. Although Durant contributed 22 points in his return to the University of Texas, where he played his college basketball during the 2006-07 season, he appeared visibly disappointed. Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer has shared the reason for his frustration.
Durant Wasn’t Happy with How Things Turned Out
When asked about the reason behind Durant’s exasperation during the gameplay, Budenholzer revealed the 15-time NBA All-Star wasn’t happy with how things played out during the game.
“He is competitive, so I think it’s kind of the normal course of the game,” Budenholzer said. “There’s plays [that are are frustrating]. Some guys out there are talking a little bit, but I wouldn’t say anything more than kind of a normal game.”
Kevin Durant looks like he wants to give up on Phoenix.
The Suns’ season going to spiral out of control soon? pic.twitter.com/0HYYVpwZBH
— Andrew Soukup (@asoukuptx) February 21, 2025
Durant also seemed annoyed with his playing time, especially when he was taken out in the first quarter. Meanwhile, Devin Booker played the entire first quarter but sat out during the third quarter while Durant stayed in.
“He’s never happy when he comes out. That’s the beauty of Kevin Durant,” Budenholzer added. “I think he would play 48 minutes if you let him, and he and Book—probably one of them is going to play the whole first quarter, and one of them has to come out. Neither one is very happy about it, but that’s what makes them great.”
"It's kind of the normal course of the game."
Mike Budenholzer on his interaction with Kevin Durant during Suns loss to Spurs.
On Durant coming out during 1st quarter and Devin Booker playing entire 1st and Booker coming out during 3rd and Durant playing entire 3rd: "He's never… pic.twitter.com/1hBiYLtiay
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) February 21, 2025
After the game, Durant discussed his frustration as well.
“It can get a little frustrating after you take an L, but overall, we get another opportunity to right the ship tomorrow in practice and in film,” Durant said. “I’m grateful every time I get to step on the court to be able to right [the ship] and finish this thing off right.
“But yeah, after games it can get a little frustrating and in the moment when we’re having a bad stretch, it can get a little frustrating.”
"There's beauty in the struggle."
Kevin Durant after Suns fall three games under .500 following loss to Spurs. #Suns #Spurs pic.twitter.com/H28cVip89q
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) February 21, 2025
When asked if he still enjoyed the game, he responded: “Yeah, come on now. Sh**. There’s beauty in the struggle. There’s beauty in all of that stuff, especially when you come out on the other side of things and you realize that pressure and hard times made you better.
“I think we can all pull from these experiences to get better next game. The worst thing we can do is feel sorry for ourselves. We still gotta put our best foot forward no matter what the record is and try to play our best ball the next day.”
Spurs Shock Suns Despite Missing Wembanyama
The Spurs weren’t the favorites to win the game, but the team stood up to the challenge following Wembanyama’s absence. De’Aaron Fox exploded for 11 straight points in the final three minutes, finishing with 26 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists.
Likewise, Keldon Johnson and Julian Champagnie chipped in 15 points while rookie Stephon Castle stepped up with 10 points. Most importantly, Chris Paul, the veteran point guard taking on the leadership role, recorded 13 points and 10 assists to aid the offense. Besides the win, Paul had another reason to celebrate since he moved up to second-place on the NBA’s all-time assists leaderboard.
This marked the Suns’ fourth straight defeat and their seventh loss in eight games. For the Spurs, Wembanyama’s injury was a massive blow, but the crucial win against star-studded Suns proved that they still have the fight and talent to compete, even without their star center.
